What are the key types of Poly Bags for packing goods?
Poly bags is one catch-all term for plastic packing bags, that covers various types. Key features to note about these packaging materials are:
- Most poly bags are made of low‑density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic.
- Loose poly bags are used for manual packing of goods.
- Poly bags supplied pre-opened on a continuous roll or fanfolded in a box are for use with automated bagging systems.
- Auto bags is another term for poly bags that are supplied in these formats, for automated machinery.
The ideal format of poly bag depends on your particular packing operation. The choice comes down to order volumes, product size, packing time, labelling and level of automation.
How do you choose the right Auto Bags for your operation?
If you have a vertical bagging machine, you’ll need fanfolded bags supplied in a carton or bags on a roll, either of which are sometimes referred to as auto bags.
In use, the machine blows each bag open with compressed air, the product is loaded, then the bag is heat-sealed, which also separates it from the roll.
Considerations include:
- Supplied bag format: Many machine models can accept LDPE bags supplied either on a continuous roll (reel) or fanfolded in cartons, but it’s best to check your model.
- Product size: The roll format tends to suit smaller mailing bag sizes, used for smaller products. Bags wider than around 300mm are best supplied fanfolded. In practice, each carton delivers more capacity than a roll, ensuring fewer material changeovers are required.
- Bag thickness: Poly bags are available in a wide variety of microns. Lighter bags are recommended where possible, as they reduce overall plastics use and also help the machine open them reliably. However, a heavier product will require a thicker micron of bag.
- Onward use: Poly bags that will be used to mail products out need to be more robust than those used for in-store display. Many of our customers select opaque white bags with a darker inner for discretion when mailing the product, or if the product is for medical use.
- Print and finish: Poly bags can be supplied clear, in a variety of colours, printed or with clear windows. Printed bags are great for emphasising branding. Clear bags or those with windows can be used to show off the contents.
- Machine Compatibility: YPS bags are designed for use with our vertical bagging machines and also work on any Autobag unit as well as those from other major machinery suppliers.
YPS supply a range of ecommerce bagging machine models that are compatible with poly bags:
- Max 12: A tabletop polybagger able to process up to 50 packs per minute.
- SX Bagger: All-electric, plug-and-play unit for handloading of up to 35 packs per minute and featuring an extra-wide 114mm passthrough.
- Max Pro 18/24: These free-standing automated baggers can run paper or poly mailing bags. The Max Pro 24 is the widest bagging machine on the market.
All of the above vertical bagging machines feature an integrated printer for direct on-bag printing of all sorts of information including labels, barcodes and logos. This removes the requirement for separate added labels, keeping the poly bags fully recyclable, reducing cost and removing additional labelling from the packing process.
Can specialist products be packed in poly bags?
Certainly. Poly bags are available in a range of specialist specifications to cater for some unusual applications, including:
- Medical products can be packed in gamma bags due to their anti-microbial properties, which keep products such as syringes, implants and surgical gloves sterile.
- Electronic hardware parts, components and kits are often packed in anti-static bags (officially called electrostatic discharge bags).
- Non-scratch bags have been especially designed for packaging products which are sensitive to scratching, for example jewellery, electronic devices and eyewear.
- Metal products and components are shipped in VCI (vapour corrosive inhibitor) bags which prevent rusting and the degradation of metal, electrical or mechanical components.
If you have an application that requires special attention in some way, the YPS team would be happy to discuss the options with you and source the ideal poly bag for your application.
Are poly bags sustainable?
If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of the packaging materials that you use, the following points are worth considering:
- The poly bags YPS supply are 100% recyclable, including printed bags
- Bags are available with recycled content from 30% upwards
- On-bag printing removes the requirement for secondary labels, keeping the bag fully recyclable with no compromise
- If preferred, paper bags are a plastic free option for some models of automated bagging machines.
We’d recommend working in partnership with a reliable supplier to ensure that you have the bag supply you need to keep your operations running. YPS supports its customers with:
- Large UK-based stocks with next-day delivery across the UK and Ireland
- A call-off stock system for customer-specific bags, including printed options
- BRC accreditation to AA standard, ensuring material traceability through the supply chain
As a supplier of both automated bagging machinery and poly bag and paper bag consumables, YPS is ideally placed to discuss the compatible options with our customers. If you’re not sure what’s available, we’d be happy to help.
How to Take the Next Step
Not sure which poly bags are right for you or your auto bagging equipment? Talk to the YPS team and we’ll recommend the right bags and machine for your operation.
“The support offered by the team at YPS has been second to none, allowing us to run at peak performance around the clock.”
Karl Blackburn, Totes ISOTONER (UK)
A collection of fully recyclable general-purpose polybags and mailers suited to packing a wide array of products. Perfect for mailing and ecommerce applications, or for bagging products together for retail.
- 100% recyclable with recycled content options
- Coloured, clear or opaque bags, plus high-definition printed options for additional branding
- Print information, logos, barcodes, QR codes and more with ease
- Upgrade bags with hang holes, vents, headers and easy-open strips
- Strong, secure bags that are puncture-resistant and weatherproof.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONs
Find out more about poly bags and auto bags by reading the Frequently Asked Questions we’ve compiled.
Accordion Content
Yes. YPS can source a wide variety of bags which will work with both machinery supplied by YPS or that supplied by other distributors, including Autobag machines.
It depends on your operation. Both formats are compatible with most automated bagging machines. If your products are small, bags on a reel tend to be most suitable. If your products are larger, then fanfolded bags supplied in a box are likely to suit you better as this format tends to result in fewer changeovers. For detailed advice, please speak to the YPS team about your requirements.
Yes. The auto bagging machines YPS supply feature an integrated printer that can print all sorts of information directly onto the bag, including individual shipping details. Alternatively, for information that remains consistent, for example your branding, bags can be supplied pre-printed and in many different colours for maximum visual impact.
Yes. The auto bags YPS supply are fully recyclable. In addition, where they’re used with equipment that can print directly onto the bag using no secondary label, that recyclability is never compromised.
Yes. We supply both equipment and consumables. However, if you already have an automated bagging machine, we can of course supply just the materials that you need.
